Athletic Trainers’ Experiences Developing and Maintaining Contemporary Expertise

Abstract

Context The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) implemented new accreditation standards for professional education in 2020, requiring educators and preceptors affiliated with CAATE-accredited professional programs to identify an area of contemporary expertise. Although this requirement is imperative to ensure that educators and preceptors are exposing students to the breadth and depth of content areas in athletic training practice, little is known about how an area of contemporary expertise is developed and maintained. Objective To explore educators’ and preceptors’ experiences with developing and maintaining an area of contemporary expertise. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Web-based survey. Participants Of 449 athletic trainers (ATs), 347 (183 educators and 164 preceptors) indicated an identified area of contemporary expertise, completed the survey, and were included in the data analysis. Data Collection and Analysis A 16-item survey (10 demographic items, 1 Likert-scale item, and 5 open-ended questions) was used. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize participant demographics and familiarity with contemporary expertise. Data analysis of open-ended responses was guided by a 4-phase, consensual qualitative research process using a 3-person team. An external auditor confirmed data representation and accuracy. Results Familiarity with contemporary expertise and its impact on practice was shared, and participants identified various activities and resources accessible for ATs. However, challenges associated with developing and maintaining expertise and conflicts with current certification expectations were also identified. Conclusions Program administrators and employers should consider how they can best support the endeavors of educators and preceptors for developing and maintaining areas of contemporary expertise. Program administrators should evaluate programmatic approaches to assist preceptors with maintaining contemporary expertise. Additionally, as educators and preceptors become more familiar with contemporary expertise, the Board of Certification and the CAATE should provide guidance regarding the intent of continuing education, how it relates to contemporary expertise, and how stakeholders can achieve the objectives set forth by regulatory groups.